Murkowski Morning Meeting for Tuesday, May 22, 2012

U.S. Senate Events

Supporting Energy Innovation in Alaska

Alaskan Impact: Alaska has serious potential for energy innovations, which are central to a true “all-of-the-above” energy plan and one of the few areas where government funding can be appropriate. Today, the Senate Energy Committee took a look at what the appropriate amount and duration of such government spending should be. Given the nation’s $15 trillion debt, finding ways to support innovation that don’t increase red ink is critical.

6:00am AKDT
Senate Energy Committee Markup
Topic: “Government’s Role in Energy Innovation”
Testimony from:

• Norman Augustine, retired chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp.
• Ethan Zindler, head of policy analysis for Bloomberg New Energy Finance
• Jesse Jenkins, director of energy and climate policy for the Breakthrough Institute

Senator Murkowski: Take revenues from greater domestic production to help pay for our innovation.

Vets, Coast Guard Get Needed Support – TSA Gets a Fight

Alaskan Impact: Senator Murkowski today secured allocations in the FY2013 Homeland Security and Military Construction/VA appropriations bills which will strengthen our training facilities and improve care for Alaska’s 77,000 veterans. And on behalf of the more than 80 percent of Alaska’s communities not on the road system, Senator Murkowski fought the costs of new TSA fees on residents.

6:30am AKDT
Senate Appropriations Committee Markup
Topic: “Military Construction, VA and Homeland Security Appropriations”

Hear opening statements online: http://bit.ly/xeOsvj

House of Representatives Events

House meeting in pro forma session – constituent work week.

Off the Hill Events

Jobless Recovery: Finding Solutions for America’s Workers

Alaskan Impact: Alaska’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.9 percent in April – but across the country Americans have seen jobless rates over 8 percent for four years. This morning, the Center for National Policy examined what can be done to boost job growth for unemployed Americans.

8:00am AKDT
Center for National Policy Discussion
Topic: “Economy and Jobs”
Participants:

• Communications Workers of America President Lawrence Cohen
• Leo Hindery Jr., managing partner of InterMedia Partners